Take a look back at how people celebrated Thanksgiving Day with these antique Thanksgiving postcards from around the turn of the century!
1904
Discover a curated roundup of must-see vintage Craftsman house plans. Perfect for those interested in classic design, renovation, or new builds.
Try not to be too creeped out by this collection of vintage Halloween party ideas spanning over a century!
Explore how vintage drugstores and the pharmacy apothecary once sold not just tonics and elixirs, but also narcotics like cocaine & heroin with ease.
The invention of the Ferris Wheel was a jaw-dropping innovation of its time! Find out the history of the Ferris Wheel ride we now know so well, plus see pictures of the HUGE first one.
When teddy bears hit the market, the craze for these soft, comforting companions was instant and universal. Here’s a look back at the remarkable history of the teddy bear, and see lots of adorable versions through the years.
Toby Jugs came to America in the 1700s and quickly became a favorite collectible. Check out these examples of the art form!
Millions know ‘Say, Say, Oh Playmate’ – also known as ‘Playmate’ – but few today know much about the rhyming song & hand clapping game. Find out more here!
Throughout the 20th century, the nursing profession and vintage nursing uniforms evolved in step with society.
What were really old cars like around 1900? Here, take a look back at some of the earliest automobiles that were on the market at the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th.
Before the advent of modern refrigeration, there was the charming, wooden icebox in the corner of the kitchen – the epicenter of cold storage from the mid-19th to early 20th century.
Old streetcars (aka trolleys or trams) are more than just vintage transportation — they’re a window into our past. Streetcars helped shape American cities, and
From uprights to baby grands & more, these antique pianos are works of art!
New York City’s luxurious old Waldorf-Astoria hotel was among America’s first big hotels. When it was built during the Victorian era, it was considered the finest hotel in the world – and soon became the most famous, too.
As long as antique buttons have adorned our clothing and shoes, people have been collecting them. Made from a multitude of materials – from metal to bone, wood to plastic – buttons are miniature pieces of everyday history.
Here is a collection of 24 colorful vintage Easter cards from the early twentieth century!
Leland Stanford, Jr University in California – now known just as Stanford – was created to honor a young boy’s death. His parents so grieved his loss, they put millions into creating a college in his name.
Here’s a sweet selection of vintage Valentine’s Day cards – little love notes people sent to each other by the millions around the early part of the 20th century.
The man behind the famous Hell Gate Brewery, George Ehret, wasn’t just a business success — he was a success as a human. Find out more about his story!
Marshall Pinckney Wilder was a hugely successful comedian during the late 1800s and early 1900s.
Find out how the Homestead Act of 1862 helped shape American society in dramatic ways by playing a vital role in the settlement of vast US prairie lands.
Here are more than 100 colorful antique fabrics from right around the turn of the century – bright and bold vintage textiles that feature florals, tiny patterns, plaids, stripes, dots, paisley and other beautiful classic designs.
Find out how some of the earliest color photography was created using potato starch!
If you’ve ever bought a pricey bottle of flavoring, you may have wondered: How can you make your own homemade extracts for less? It’s probably a lot easier than you think.
Vintage circus posters are a fantastic way to get a glimpse into the world of the old-fashioned circus and all the excitement it offered!
The magnificent Conrad-Caldwell mansion – also known as the Theophilus Conrad house – in Louisville, Kentucky, was completed in 1895, and was a luxurious home with detailed stonework and woodwork.
Take a look back in time at some vintage postcards sent by people in the first two decades of the 1900s to wish friends and family a happy new year!
It’s incredible to see how awesome — in size, in design, in popularity — old-fashioned indoor swimming pools could be. Here, take a look at 10 gorgeous pools from days gone by!
When you scroll through these wonderful pictures of old Pasadena from around the turn of the century, you can practically imagine strolling these elegant tree-lined streets, and seeing Victorian mansions, schools and libraries up close.
Look back more than 100 years to see how women wore some popular vintage hats from the early 1900s, and you will get an idea of just how important they were to society back in the day.
Want to host a throwback celebration, with ideas straight out of the early 1900s? Here’s a menu describing each of the fourteen courses served at a formal dinner party, plus other hosting tips for an event with true Edwardian style.
These idyllic scenes from old Atlantic City show the fancy hotels, beautiful boardwalk, busy beaches, and fashionable crowds – all part of why the city and the Jersey shore used to be one of the east coast’s top vacation destinations.
What was a classic Craftsman house like – and what made it unique? Find out more here about this vintage architectural style and its founder, Gustav Stickley – plus see more than 70 old examples of this iconic design.
100 years ago, public swimming pools were vital for summer survival After the concept of public baths faded from favor, but before post-war homeowners started
Lake Almanor’s great beauty and immense expanse captivate the imagination. Amidst the pine forests, when built, it was the largest power reservoir in the United States. Here’s a little of its history!
Check out some original ‘Wizard of Oz’ cast photos from 1903, and see if you don’t think the characters seem creepy — maybe even a little bit ghoulish.
The White House in the early 1900s showed off President Teddy Roosevelt’s renovations, updating it for the 20th century. Here’s a look back at the mansion, inside and out, in high-resolution photos, plus detailed descriptions of the rooms.
Why take the stairs while you can ride up in comfort inside one of these metalwork ‘cage’ style antique elevators, made with beautiful ornamental iron? Just tell the bellhop what floor you want.
We discovered these 22 amazing old pictures of some of the most gorgeous historical hotel lobbies from across the US. Have a scroll and step back in time with us to a more elegant era!
Crystal chandeliers have been a symbol of luxury and opulence since the 18th century. If you’re wondering what crystal chandeliers used to look like, take a peek below at these vintage photos!
Olc cash register history goes back to the Victorian era, and were used to both streamline accounting, and to keep cashiers from stealing money. Find out more here!
The Cadillac innovation mentioned herein was a two-speed rear axle, combined with a door-mounted, electrically-operated shifter which allowed the driver to change the rear axle
Old-fashioned dentistry in the early 1900s had come a long way since the Wild West days, but, compared to what we have available in the 21st century, it might as well have been the Dark Ages. Take a look!
Take a look at these modest old-fashioned swimsuits for men and women, seen on real beachgoers and early movie actresses, with many high-quality and colorized vintage photos!
These vintage selfies, several of which date back to the 1800s, prove that the desire to capture our own images has been around for a long time. Here’s how people took self-portraits with old cameras long ago!
Take a glimpse into what the famous old Macy’s department store looked like just over a hundred years ago – and how it offered its customers a shopping experience like no other.
Jack London’s first major work, ‘The Call of the Wild,’ changed both the face of literature and the fortunes of a young author.
For generations, mail carriers and other postal workers have worked hard to bring us letters, magazines, packages and more. Here’s a look at how they transported the mail long ago!
What was old bedroom decor like from the early 1900s? Here are some rooms from just after the turn of the century, from the simple to the super-floral.
More than 100 years ago, see how antique baby carriages like these were styled with beautiful designs, made from wicker, metal and wood – sometimes embellished with wooden spindles and woven reeds.
Planning a wedding with a classic old-fashioned feel? Check out this collection of beautiful vintage wedding dresses from the first two decades of the 1900s!
Onboard these old Deluxe Overland Limited trains, every hotel luxury could be found – including a barber shop, valet service, a library, buffet meals, a mens’ clubroom, and a cafe dining car. Take a look!
What were calling cards, and how were these visiting cards used by polite society back at the turn of the century? Find out!
The old-fashioned benefits of breastfeeding are many, no matter what century you’re living in. Here’s a look back at some of what experts were saying about nursing babies back in the early 1900s.
Through 75 artistic antique color covers of The Theatre magazine, take a peek back in time from the first decades of the twentieth century to see these classic actors & actresses who performed onstage more than 100 years ago
Women have destroyed the beauty of their hands by trying to transform with the scissors the blunt, thick finger ends that belong on the practical or elementary hand into the dainty or tapering fingertips.
Mosey on over and meet William Cody, who was known in these parts for his Buffalo Bill’s Wild West & Congress of Rough Riders of the World exhibitions. Yee haw!
San Francisco’s great old Sutro Baths was a huge structure with several enormous swimming pools, viewing galleries, museums and more, right next to the Golden Gate. See inside the Victorian marvel here!
If you have a pair of vintage gloves – or even a new pair – and want to know the best way to care for these delicate and elegant classic accessories, this article is for you!
There is not a man living who does not like to see a woman in an apron. Every groom dreams of his young wife donning an apron in which to pour his coffee.
When the old Victrola record players were first introduced, those turntables were some cutting-edge tech. Here’s a look at the history of the famous Victor Talking Machines!
Long before automatic washing machines, people had to wash their clothes the old-fashioned way – using vintage washboards, tubs, hand scrubbing, and things called manglers. Here’s how they did it.
On the top of one of the taller buildings of the time, the Hotel Majestic’s roof garden was where the elite partied back around the turn of the century.
Labor Day is unlike many other patriotic holidays, as it glorifies no armed conflicts or battles of man’s prowess over man. Here’s a look back at the history of Labor Day.
For the vintage Pompadour hairstyle from the turn of the century, the hair was arranged as to make the head a great fluffy mass, round like a globe – what they called ‘a great ball of beauty.’
Winchester rifles for all kinds of hunting (1905) Winchester rifles are not the choice of any one special class, but of all intelligent sportsmen who go to the
Here’s a selection of vintage 4th of July postcards to celebrate Independence Day, all dating back to the first two decades of the 20th century!
These vintage tips to identify antique silver come from the 1940s – and include diagrams, descriptions and photos of lots of vintage silverwork.
Look years back at teachers, students and old school classrooms from more than a century ago, and see what education was like back then.
Look back at what antique school supplies looked like back in the 1800s, along with popular teaching materials from the Victorian era!
What is a mansard roof home – or a Second Empire-style house? Find out here, and take a look at more than 20 beautiful examples!
The president’s walk across the bridge with cannon accompaniment from forts and ships The big bridge open: Two cities join in making a mammoth holiday
After years of growth, Detroit became a major transportation hub, and many gorgeous Victorian mansions were built for wealthy residents.
A hundred years ago, needle baths were popular in hotels and luxury homes. They were like a shower, but with a few basic differences. See some here.
Nikola Tesla’s life story is notable, as he saw the world of the covered wagon turn into today’s world of electricity & electronics – and he was a big part of how that happened.
Bicycle daredevil Diavolo (Conn Baker) traveled the country performing gravity-defying stunts, like the still-famous loop-the-loop.
Predictions of the future from the early 1900s included the idea that a subway shuttle across New York City would be replaced with a moving sidewalk built in three sections, one of which would offer seating.
Take a look back at 20+ elegant antique bathrooms and decor from the turn of the century, many of which were intended for luxury homes.
Ever wondered what home redecorating was like back in the early 1900s? Here, see some popular Edwardian wallpaper styles and home decor color combinations!
See old Phoenix, Arizona as it looked back in the 1800s and 1900s, when the city’s population was low and there were plenty of wide-open spaces.
Looking back at these antique kitchens from the 1900s, you may be surprised at how far we have come, and grateful for things like countertops!
Take a look back at more than 100 antique stickpins, from the simple gold and silver pins to those with pearls, diamonds, opals and other precious gems.
Fashionable vintage parasols could include materials like lace, chiffon, fishnet, satin ribbon, and of every hue. Here are a few of the styles from long ago!
The Wright Brothers, Wilbur and Orville, were the dynamic duo who took humanity’s dream of flight from mere fantasy to tangible reality. It took only 12 seconds and covered 120 feet, but the Wright Brothers’ first powered flight made the moon as reachable as sailing ships once made America. Here’s how they made history.
As these pictures of old post office buildings show, a lot of architecture from around 1900 was beautiful, ornate and built on a grand scale. Take a look!
Christmas goes to the dogs! Here are 8 adorable antique Christmas postcards with dogs, plus a tale of how some boys got together and gave their pups their own holiday party.
How did our great-great grandparents send holiday greetings? Probably with antique Christmas cards just like these! Take a fond look back to the yuletide season from more than a century ago.
Here’s a look at a few dozen type styles from the first part of the 20th century – including a few old-fashioned fonts that have stood the test of time.
Son the crooks and turnings and devious wanderings of Old Boston landmarks and byways would be nothing more than a memory of the past.
Why do women give up their maiden names – blushing brides who assume their husbands’ names on the wedding day?
Take a look back at ten old roller coasters from the early 1900s, and admire the courage of the riders who sat down in those rickety little cars and sped off into the wild blue yonder.
Who remembers Peter Coddle, Shoot the Hat, and Snap? They were old-fashioned games that provided hours of entertainment before radio and TV. Find out more here!
If you think peach jam is good, wait until you try these vintage recipes for homemade sweet, warmly-flavored spiced peaches and preserves made from fresh peaches.
Back when radium was first discovered, people loved that it was new and cool and it glowed… so companies decided to put it into a variety of products, like this radioactive X-radium cookware. Yeah, that was a bad idea.
Take a stroll back to the late 1800s and early 1900s to see some of the grand homes and New York mansions that lined Fifth Avenue.
Buckwheat pancakes made of pure buckwheat are best, but as some do not like the distinct flavor of the grain, here’s a variety of old-fashioned recipes.
Dreamland and its beautiful tower attract the eye of the pleasure seeker long before Coney Island is reached. There is capital amusement under and about the big tower, and all the novelties are enjoying a large share of favor…
As incredible as it is, the first-person account below, written by polar explorer Ernest Shackleton, is really just the beginning of his story. In 1914,
